PICKERING Brook residents Ray Furfaro and Garry Beard say two years of hard work in researching and lobbying has paid off with their little patch of heaven now being earmarked as Perth’s next tourist destination.
Mr Beard praised the work of Kalamunda MP Matthew Hughes and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti to put the town on the tourist map.
“Our committee has worked hard to get to this point and we hope to work closely with all involved to progress this further,” he said.
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READ NOW“We are also grateful for the support from our politicians in recognising our area and in-particular the potential of Pickering Brook as a tourist destination.
“This is a great opportunity to generate local jobs for our young people in the community and also showcase the area as a destination for visitors to Western Australia.”
Mr Furafo said the committee was looking forward to working with all levels of government including the City of Kalamunda to see the potential of the region recognised.
Ms Saffioti said there were a number of challenges in the orchardist community and its commercial realities, and a need for promotion and a more coordinated approach to tourism across the entire hills.
“We have seen many exciting new initiatives that have popped up over the past three or four years,” she said.
“There are the new cideries and more bed and breakfast accommodation and there are enormous opportunities there for the state, local government and the community to work together.”
City mayor John Giardina said the City had commenced development on a new tourism strategy, with a workshop and the establishment of a working party to progress the initiative.
“It augurs well for the future of tourism in the Perth Hills and surrounding area, particularly Bickley, Carmel and Pickering Brook, which are untold treasures yet to be discovered by bigger numbers of tourists,” he said.
“The area is a hidden gem and we on council and the Chamber are all passionate about promoting the region for the future growth of the City of Kalamunda.”